Leeds Strengthens Efforts to Address Youth Inactivity and NEET Rates

City leaders unite to improve education and employment opportunities for young people

Leeds has brought together key partners from education, employment, health, and the third sector to tackle the rising challenge of youth inactivity and the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The meeting, held on 6 July 2026 at Elland Road, focused on developing a more coordinated approach to support young people in accessing education, meaningful employment, or training opportunities.

Context and current challenges

The event took place amid growing national and regional initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for young people. Recent government reforms such as the Get Britain Working White Paper, the rollout of the Youth Guarantee, and an independent review led by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn have emphasised the need to reduce economic inactivity among youth.

Leeds currently faces higher-than-average NEET levels, with many young people encountering complex barriers including mental health difficulties, low confidence, and limited access to opportunities. The city’s leaders agreed on the importance of a system-wide response to better support young people into education, employment, and training pathways.

Proposed actions for a citywide response

Discussions at the event highlighted several key proposals to enhance the city’s approach, including:

• Establishing clear strategic leadership and governance
• Strengthening multi-agency collaboration across education, skills, health, and community partners
• Developing a shared evidence base to better understand local needs
• Creating a coordinated NEET and youth employment strategy

These proposals also set the foundation for the possible creation of a Leeds NEET Taskforce, in line with recommendations from the Milburn Review. This taskforce would aim to ensure Leeds is well positioned to respond effectively to both local challenges and national priorities.

Statements from city officials

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, emphasised the importance of the initiative:

“No young person in Leeds should be without a pathway into learning or work. This event marks an important step in bringing partners together to tackle a complex challenge and ensure we are doing everything we can to support young people to succeed.”

“Supporting young people to engage with education and employment improves their long-term health, wellbeing and life chances, while helping to build the skilled workforce needed to support the city’s future growth.”

Next steps

Following the event, partners will continue to collaborate on developing a detailed delivery plan. This plan will focus on:

• Strengthening coordination between agencies
• Improving data-driven decision-making
• Ensuring young people receive timely and appropriate support
• Building on the existing 14-19 partnership to develop a shared strategy
• Progressing plans for a potential Leeds NEET Taskforce

The city’s coordinated approach aims to better meet the needs of young people in Leeds and contribute to reducing youth inactivity and NEET rates across the area.